DOCSLIB.ORG

What We Don't Know About Megapodes

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
What We Don't Know About Megapodes ZV-327-14 (pp 159-168) 02-01-2007 14:41 Pagina 159 What we don’t know about megapodes D.N. Jones Jones, D.N. What we don’t know about megapodes. Darryl N. Jones, Australian School of Environmental Studies, Griffith University, Nathan, Queens- land, 4111 Australia. E-mail: [email protected] Key words: Megapodiidae; mating systems; vocalization; conservation; future studies. While the growth in megapode studies has been extraordinary, much remains to be done. Further work is especially crucial if the many conservation projects that are planned and underway are to be based on a sound and reliable base of understanding. Thus, the ten projects proposed here are not directly conservation-orientated. Rather, they are aimed at elucidating aspects and issues that are needed for a more complete understanding of these remarkable birds. In particular, a plea is made for high quality natural history and for cultural sensitivity and awareness. Introduction Although it has been almost 480 years since the first European encounter with a megapode (see Frith, 1959), a large proportion of the scientific study of this family has occurred within the last few decades. The coverage of this recent research has been usefully focussed by two recent publications: the monograph on the family (Jones et al., 1995); and the Megapode Action Plan 1995 - 1999 (Dekker & McGowan, 1995). These have encouraged considerable amounts of new work and have been especially valuable in providing a basis for allocating priorities, especially in the light of the urgent conservation needs of many species (Dekker, this volume a). In the proceedings of the First International Megapode Symposium (Dekker & Jones, 1992), we presented a bibliography of the Megapodiidae, complete from the very earliest publications to 1991. The sheer size of this list surprised many, including those of us working within the field. Here was a family of birds that has inspired and fascinated workers for centuries. The present volume includes an up-date of the bibliography, this time covering less than a decade (although there are a small number of publications which were missed in the earlier compilation): 1992 to 1998. Clearly, the work is continuing with increased vigour (see Dekker, this volume b). But much remains to be done. These birds are remarkable in almost every aspect of their physiology, ecology, behaviour and relations with humans and will provide many avenues for fruitful study. Moreover, such studies will also provide a sound scientific basis for essential conservation work. Conservation-orientated studies are of critical importance; most of the megapode species remain seriously threatened, many increasingly so (Dekker, this volume a). This situation should not, however, lead to a polarity between so-called ‘science’ research versus ‘conservation’ research. The timely advent of the field now known as ‘conservation biology’ has hopefully put this dichotomy to rest (Caughley & Gunn, 1996). Conservation actions fail or succeed on the quality of the science on which they are based. Obviously, there would seem to be little point in conducting, for example, mate removal experiments on an endangered species. Nonetheless, it may be that the mating system is the key to understanding why the species is in decline. In such a ZV-327-14 (pp 159-168) 02-01-2007 14:41 Pagina 160 160 Dekker et al. Proceedings Third International Megapode Symposium. Zool. Verh. Leiden 327 (1999) delicate situation, reliable science is not just interesting, it is essential as a basis for sound conservation management (Caughley & Gunn, 1996). Much earlier this century, one of the most influential figures in practical wildlife management observed: “So far, we have the scientist, but not his science, employed as an instrument of ... conservation” (Leopold, 1933). I would endorse and slightly expand this remark as we face the daunting and emotional issues that confront megapode conservation into the new millennium: let our science serve our conserva- tion goals. This also implicitly acknowledges something we are often reluctant to face: that conservation is a human goal, closely associated with cultural influences (Hargrove, 1989). Although such sociological, anthropological or even philosophical considera- tions may seem far removed from the real-world of conservation, these are issues of profound importance to megapode biologists (see Pearl, 1989). Megapode survival and extinction has been, and remains, closely tied to human societies (Steadman, this volume). The fate of many species will depend on people in communities in remote locations quite unlike our own. The challenge will be knowing how best to translate our science, our conservation goals, and our practice into forms accessible, intelligible and valuable to societies with often markedly different histories and priorities. Here I identify ten research projects for which the megapodes would appear to be highly suitable subjects of study. These projects are positioned within four major areas: (a) Ecophysiology and Adaptations; (b) Evolution and Behaviour; (c) Popula- tion Studies; and (d) Management. I hope these will provide a spring board for addi- tional ideas from others. In the light of the comments above, I do not include issues directly associated with conservation; Dekker (this volume a) has covered that area thoroughly. In some cases, the projects are based on existing studies; in others, the questions arise from research in other fields but may be worth pursuing among the megapodes. Obviously, this selection is personal, biased and idiosyncratic. But I also hope it is particularly interesting. In addition, I devote more time to some issues than others. This should not be taken as any indication of importance or priority. (a) Ecophysiology and Adaptations (1) Mechanisms and manipulation of heat production in mounds We appear to know quite a lot about incubation mounds (see Jones et al., 1995), although, as with almost all aspects of megapode biology, the details come from a very few well studied species (e.g. Seymour, 1985; Jones, 1988a). One aspect of mound construction of interest relates to the remarkable variety of mound types that have been recognised within a single species (e.g. Coates, 1985; Dekker, 1989, 1992). The interest here is not one of inter-year variation or even individual differences but rather in gross differences in size, location and even nature of construction. Sankaran (1995) and Sankaran & Sivakumar (this volume) have described such mound types in Nicobar megapodes Megapodius nicobariensis Blyth, 1846, and has asked whether these constructions may utilize different sources or particular mixtures of heat (see also Dekker, 1989). Although Seymour and co-workers (e.g. Seymour, 1985; Seymour & Bradford, 1992) have added enormously to our understanding of heat production, maintenance ZV-327-14 (pp 159-168) 02-01-2007 14:41 Pagina 161 Dekker et al. Proceedings Third International Megapode Symposium. Zool. Verh. Leiden 327 (1999) 161 and the influences of mound construction and size for one species (the Australian brush-turkey Alectura lathami J.E. Gray, 1831), there is much we do not yet know about these processes in other species, or even the same species in different environ- ments (for instance, Australian brush-turkeys in dry inland forests (Blakers et al., 1984). Of particular interest would be mound builders living in very warm and moist environments. Furthermore, we are still extremely ignorant of these processes (and their influences on embryos) for almost all of the burrow nesters. The careful and sophisticated temperature manipulation of the malleefowl Leipoa ocellata Gould, 1840, remains one of Frith’s major discoveries (Frith, 1956, 1957) and it is certainly one of the most enduring impressions of megapodes in general (cf. Jones, 1989). However, to what extent is temperature manipulation a feature of other species; e.g., Jones (1988a) suspected that Australian brush-turkeys did not directly alter mound temperatures? (2) Embryonic and pre-emergence adaptations The processes, both evolutionary and proximate, that enable a megapode embryo to survive, grow, hatch and emerge from the depths of a mound or burrow are among the most astonishing adaptations exhibited by this remarkable family. While excellent work has been completed (e.g. Vleck et al., 1984; Seymour et al., 1986, 1987; Booth, 1988), these again have been limited to a couple of species. Much more infor- mation is required on egg shell structure and changes over the incubation period (as it relates to gas exchange), gas exchange in burrow nesters (where the gaseous envi- ronment is not controlled by the birds), mechanisms of hatching, and the numerous physiological problems associated with the initiation of breathing. (b) Evolution and Behaviour (3) Description and function of vocalizations Göth’s contribution to this proceedings (Göth et al., this volume) is the first detailed publication on vocalizations for any megapode species. While obviously invaluable, its lonely status highlights a serious deficiency in our coverage of megapode behaviour. This is of particular importance because of the central role vocal behaviour plays in the social and sexual interactions among perhaps a majority of bird species. Moreover, seemingly complex vocalizations and possibly even ‘song’ (see Göth et al., this volume), are highly unusual among non-passerines. A crucial first step will be the careful recording and description of the vocal repertoire of each species. The Megapodius Gaimard, 1823, and Talegalla Lesson, 1828, species are all quite vocal, calling at all times of the day and night (Lincoln, 1974; Coates, 1985; Jones et al., 1995). The function of these calls is far from obvious and may differ among species. Similarly, Macrocephalon S. Müller, 1846, Aepypodius Oustalet, 1880, and Leipoa Gould, 1840, also produce numerous calls, and again, our understanding of these is far from complete (Jones et al., 1995). In the latter species, postures may also be involved in signalling (Böhner & Immelmann, 1987). While ‘noisy’ megapodes pose a particular set of questions, the seemingly ‘quiet’ species pose yet another.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Southwest Pacific Islands: Samoa, Fiji, Vanuatu & New Caledonia Trip Report 11Th to 31St July 2015
    Southwest Pacific Islands: Samoa, Fiji, Vanuatu & New Caledonia Trip Report 11th to 31st July 2015 Orange Fruit Dove by K. David Bishop Trip Report - RBT Southwest Pacific Islands 2015 2 Tour Leaders: K. David Bishop and David Hoddinott Trip Report compiled by Tour Leader: K. David Bishop Tour Summary Rockjumper’s inaugural tour of the islands of the Southwest Pacific kicked off in style with dinner at the Stamford Airport Hotel in Sydney, Australia. The following morning we were soon winging our way north and eastwards to the ancient Gondwanaland of New Caledonia. Upon arrival we then drove south along a road more reminiscent of Europe, passing through lush farmlands seemingly devoid of indigenous birds. Happily this was soon rectified; after settling into our Noumea hotel and a delicious luncheon, we set off to explore a small nature reserve established around an important patch of scrub and mangroves. Here we quickly cottoned on to our first endemic, the rather underwhelming Grey-eared Honeyeater, together with Nankeen Night Herons, a migrant Sacred Kingfisher, White-bellied Woodswallow, Fantailed Gerygone and the resident form of Rufous Whistler. As we were to discover throughout this tour, in areas of less than pristine habitat we encountered several Grey-eared Honeyeater by David Hoddinott introduced species including Common Waxbill. And so began a series of early starts which were to typify this tour, though today everyone was up with added alacrity as we were heading to the globally important Rivierre Bleu Reserve and the haunt of the incomparable Kagu. We drove 1.3 hours to the reserve, passing through a stark landscape before arriving at the appointed time to meet my friend Jean-Marc, the reserve’s ornithologist and senior ranger.
    [Show full text]
  • Avifauna from the Teouma Lapita Site, Efate Island, Vanuatu, Including a New Genus and Species of Megapode
    Archived at the Flinders Academic Commons: http://dspace.flinders.edu.au/dspace/ ‘This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Worthy, T., Hawkins, S., Bedford, S. and Spriggs, M. (2015). Avifauna from the Teouma Lapita Site, Efate Island, Vanuatu, including a new genus and species of megapode. Pacific Science, 69(2) pp. 205-254. which has been published in final form at DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2984/69.2.6 Article: http://www.bioone.org/doi/full/10.2984/69.2.6 Journal: http://www.uhpress.hawaii.edu/t-pacific-science Copyright 2015, University of Hawaii Press. Published version of the article is reproduced here with permission from the publisher." Avifauna from the Teouma Lapita Site, Efate Island, Vanuatu, Including a New Genus and Species of Megapode1 Trevor H. Worthy,2,5 Stuart Hawkins,3 Stuart Bedford,4 and Matthew Spriggs 4 Abstract: The avifauna of the Teouma archaeological site on Efate in Vanuatu is described. It derives from the Lapita levels (3,000 – 2,800 ybp) and immedi- ately overlying middens extending to ~2,500 ybp. A total of 30 bird species is represented in the 1,714 identified specimens. Twelve species are new records for the island, which, added to previous records, indicates that minimally 39 land birds exclusive of passerines were in the original avifauna. Three-fourths of the 12 newly recorded species appear to have become extinct by the end of Lapita times, 2,800 ybp. The avifauna is dominated by eight species of columbids (47.5% Minimum Number Individuals [MNI ]) including a large extinct tooth- billed pigeon, Didunculus placopedetes from Tonga, and a giant Ducula sp.
    [Show full text]
  • Bird Checklists of the World Country Or Region: Myanmar
    Avibase Page 1of 30 Col Location Date Start time Duration Distance Avibase - Bird Checklists of the World 1 Country or region: Myanmar 2 Number of species: 1088 3 Number of endemics: 5 4 Number of breeding endemics: 0 5 Number of introduced species: 1 6 7 8 9 10 Recommended citation: Lepage, D. 2021. Checklist of the birds of Myanmar. Avibase, the world bird database. Retrieved from .https://avibase.bsc-eoc.org/checklist.jsp?lang=EN&region=mm [23/09/2021]. Make your observations count! Submit your data to ebird.
    [Show full text]
  • Incubator Birds: Biogeographical Origins and Evolution Of
    Journal of Biogeography (J. Biogeogr.) (2014) 41, 2045–2056 ORIGINAL Incubator birds: biogeographical origins ARTICLE and evolution of underground nesting in megapodes (Galliformes: Megapodiidae) Rebecca B. Harris1,2*, Sharon M. Birks2 and Adam D. Leache1,2 1Department of Biology, University of ABSTRACT Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA, 2Burke Aim Unique amongst birds, megapodes (family Megapodiidae) have exchanged Museum of Natural History and Culture, the strategy of incubating eggs with the warmth of their bodies for incubation University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA behaviours that rely entirely on environmental heat sources. Typically, mound- builders capture heat released from the decomposition of organic materials, while burrow-nesters lay their eggs in geothermal or solar-heated soils. The evolutionary path towards novel incubation behaviours has led to ecological and physiological adaptations unique to megapodes. Here, we present a species tree for all extant megapodes that settles long-standing debates about mega- pode evolution: namely, their biogeographical origins and ancestral nesting behaviour. Location Australasia. Methods A time-calibrated multilocus species tree for all extant megapodes was constructed using *beast. We estimated and compared divergence dates for megapodes obtained from molecular rates, fossils, and a combination of fossils and rates. Using this tree, Bayesian estimation of ancestral nesting behaviour was conducted in BayesTraits and ancestral ranges were estimated in BioGeoBEARS. Results Recent dispersal has led to the recolonization of mainland Australia and New Guinea by Megapodius. Bayesian estimation of ancestral states indi- cates that mound building is the most probable ancestral nesting behaviour in megapodes (posterior probability = 0.75). Burrow nesting was acquired early in the diversification of the family (at least 14 Ma), followed by a single switch back to mound building.
    [Show full text]
  • Forest Bird and Fruit Bat Populations on Sarigan, Mariana Islands
    Micronesica 31(2):247-254. 1999 Forest Bird and Fruit Bat Populations on Sarigan, Mariana Islands STEVEN G. FANCY1 U.S Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, P.O. Box 44, Hawaii National Park, HI 96718. [email protected] ROBERT J. CRAIG2 Northern Marianas College, P.O. Box 1250, Saipan, MP 96950 CURT W. KESSLER Division of Fish and Wildlife, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, P.O. Box 10007, Saipan, MP 96950 Abstract—We conducted the first quantitative surveys of forest bird and bat populations on the uninhabited island of Sarigan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Severe habitat degradation has occurred on Sarigan because of overgrazing by introduced goats and pigs. Planting of coconut palms (Cocos nucifera) for copra production has also eliminated much of the island’s native forest. We recorded five species of forest birds on Sarigan: Micronesian Honeyeater (Myzomela rubratra), Micronesian Megapode (Megapodius laperouse laperouse), Micronesian Starling (Aplonis opaca), Collared Kingfisher (Halcyon chloris), and White-throated Ground Dove (Gallicolumba xanthonura). Estimated population sizes (95% confidence interval) in 1997 were 1,821 (1,617–2,026) for Micronesian Honeyeater, 677 (545–810) for Micronesian Megapode, 497 (319–675) for Micronesian Starling, 107 (82–131) for Collared Kingfisher, and 170 (101–238) for Mariana Fruit Bat (Pteropus mariannus). Introduction The remote, uninhabited tropical Pacific island of Sarigan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
    [Show full text]
  • Western Birds
    WESTERN BIRDS Vol. 49, No. 4, 2018 Western Specialty: Golden-cheeked Woodpecker Second-cycle or third-cycle Herring Gull at Whiting, Indiana, on 25 January 2013. The inner three primaries on each wing of this bird appear fresher than the outer primaries. They may represent the second alternate plumage (see text). Photo by Desmond Sieburth of Los Angeles, California: Golden-cheeked Woodpecker (Melanerpes chrysogenys) San Blas, Nayarit, Mexico, 30 December 2016 Endemic to western mainland Mexico from Sinaloa south to Oaxaca, the Golden-cheeked Woodpecker comprises two well-differentiated subspecies. In the more northern Third-cycle (or possibly second-cycle) Herring Gull at New Buffalo, Michigan, on M. c. chrysogenys the hindcrown of both sexes is largely reddish with only a little 14 September 2014. Unlike the other birds illustrated on this issue’s back cover, in this yellow on the nape, whereas in the more southern M. c. flavinuchus the hindcrown is individual the pattern of the inner five primaries changes gradually from feather to uniformly yellow, contrasting sharply with the forehead (red in the male, grayish white feather, with no abrupt contrast. Otherwise this bird closely resembles the one on the in the female). The subspecies intergrade in Nayarit. Geographic variation in the outside back cover, although the prealternate molt of the other body and wing feathers Golden-cheeked Woodpecker has not been widely appreciated, perhaps because so many has not advanced as far. birders and ornithologists are familiar with the species from San Blas, in the center of Photos by Amar Ayyash the zone of intergradation. Volume 49, Number 4, 2018 The 42nd Annual Report of the California Bird Records Committee: 2016 Records Guy McCaskie, Stephen C.
    [Show full text]
  • Checklist of the Birds of Micronesia Peter Pyle and John Engbring for Ornithologists Visiting Micronesia, R.P
    ./ /- 'Elepaio, VoL 46, No.6, December 1985. 57 Checklist of the Birds of Micronesia Peter Pyle and John Engbring For ornithologists visiting Micronesia, R.P. Owen's Checklist of the Birds of Micronesia (1977a) has proven a valuable reference for species occurrence among the widely scattered island groups. Since its publication, however, our knowledge of species distribution in Micronesia has been substantially augmented. Numerous species not recorded by Owen in Micronesia or within specific Micronesian island groups have since been reported, and the status of many other species has changed or become better known. This checklist is essentially an updated version of Owen (1977a), listing common and scientific names, and occurrence status and references for all species found in Micronesia as recorded from the island groups. Unlike Owen, who gives the status for each species only for Micronesia as a whole, we give it for -each island group. The checklist is stored on a data base program on file with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in Honolulu, and we encourage comments and new or additional information concerning its contents. A total of 224 species are included, of which 85 currently breed in Micronesia, 3 have become extinct, and 12 have been introduced. Our criteria for-species inclusion is either specimen, photograph, or adequately documented sight record by one or more observer. An additional 13 species (listed in brackets) are included as hypothetical (see below under status symbols). These are potentially occurring species for which reports exist that, in our opinion, fail to meet the above mentioned criteria.
    [Show full text]
  • Meet the Megapodes – Ground-Dwelling Birds That Start Life Beneath the Sand
    The Melanesian megapode has a naked face, often with red or pink coloration. It uses hot volcanic sand to incubate its eggs – an ancient behaviour now found in only a handful of bird species. THE LAVA BIRDS Meet the megapodes – ground-dwelling birds that start life beneath the sand. By Mark Cocker Photos David Tipling 32 BBC Wildlife June 2019 June 2019 MEGAPODES Clockwise from left: Megapodes excavate their nest chambers; these 550g birds can dig to impressive depths; there can sometimes be a bit of a skirmish among the birds, as they look for suitable digging spots; volcanically heated sand results in communal nest grounds; Savo Island. he sound of our boat’s New Guinea, as far as southern Australia, to a beach bordering the forest, where the engine drowned out the vast then way out into the central Pacific through megapodes lay. The locals make these sand- silence of the South Pacific the array of islands known as Melanesia. fields even more attractive for the birds by night. It was 4am and pitch Savo is among that complex of archipelagos clearing fallen debris, while a thatched fence black – the only thing I and it is no coincidence that this spot, like around the perimeter excludes predators, could see distinctly was the much of the zone in which megapodes occur, such as pigs, dogs and monitor lizards. whiteness of the breakers experiences some of the highest levels of Even as we took our seats behind the ‘blind’ Tcrashing and spreading onto the shore. seismic activity known on Earth. we could hear the megapodes in the trees We were on the Solomon Islands, at a Savo is a live volcano and the megapodes overhead, where they produced a loud, place called Savo, to see a bird that lays have probably exploited the island’s high-pitched chorus of ‘yee-yeeow’ notes.
    [Show full text]
  • Palau Bird Survey Report 2020
    Abundance of Birds in Palau based on Surveys in 2005 Final Report, November 2020 Eric A. VanderWerf1 and Erika Dittmar1 1 Pacific Rim Conservation, 3038 Oahu Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822 Prepared for the Belau National Museum, Box 666, Koror Palau 96940 Endemic birds of Palau, from top left: White-breasted Woodswallow, Palau Fantail, Palau Fruit- dove, Rusty-capped Kingfisher. Photos by Eric VanderWerf. 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGMENTS .............................................................................................................. 3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................ 4 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 5 METHODS ..................................................................................................................................... 6 Description of Study Area and Transect Locations ............................................................ 6 Data Collection ................................................................................................................... 7 Data Analysis ...................................................................................................................... 7 Limitations of the Survey.................................................................................................... 9 RESULTS ....................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Goura Victoria: COLUMBIDAE) in the RAINFORESTS of NORTHERN PAPUA, INDONESIA
    THE IMPACT OF HUNTING ON VICTORIA CROWNED PIGEON (Goura victoria: COLUMBIDAE) IN THE RAINFORESTS OF NORTHERN PAPUA, INDONESIA Dissertation for the award of degree of “Doctor rerum naturalium” (Dr.rer.nat) within the doctoral program biology of the Georg-August University School of Science (GAUSS) Submitted by Henderina Josefina Keiluhu Born in Sumbawa Besar-West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia Göttingen, 2013 Thesis Committee Prof. Dr. M. Mühlenberg Johann Friedrich Blumenbach Institute of Zoology and Anthropology Prof. Dr. R. Willmann Johann Friedrich Blumenbach Institute of Zoology and Anthropology Members of the Examination Board Reviewer: Prof. Dr. M. Mühlenberg Johann Friedrich Blumenbach Institute of Zoology and Anthropology Second Reviewer: Prof. Dr. R. Willmann Johann Friedrich Blumenbach Institute of Zoology and Anthropology Further members of the Examination Board Prof. Dr. C. Leuschner Albrecht von Haller Institute of Plant Sciences Prof. Dr. E. Bergmeier Albrecht von Haller Institute of Plant Sciences Prof. Dr. H. Behling Albrecht von Haller Institute of Plant Sciences PD. Dr. T. Hörnschemeyer Johann Friedrich Blumenbach Institute of Zoology and Anthropology Place and date of the oral examination: Computer Room, Department of Conservation Biology, Center for Nature Conservation, Bürgerstrasse 50, 37073 Goettingen; October 30th, 2013 at 11.15 pm ii Acknowledgements I am very grateful to my supervisor Prof. Dr. M. Mühlenberg, Department of Conservation Biology, Georg-August University of Goettingen for enhancement my concepts about nature conservation. I also thank Prof. Dr. R. Willmann for being my second supervisor, and to Dr. Richard Noske for the valuable tutorial during proposal writing. The Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst (DAAD) contributed generous financial support for my study.
    [Show full text]
  • Vanuatu Megapode, Megapodius Layardi
    Threatened Species Factsheet No. 15 VANUATU MEGAPODE What are they called? What do they look like? Scientific: These are large dark blackish- Megapodius layardi brown birds that can grow up to English: Vanuatu 34 cm. Their forehead and face megapode or scrubfowl, are covered with bright red bare Incubator Bird skin. They have yellow legs and large feet. French: Mégapode de The females are similar to the Layard males but slightly smaller. Chicks Bislama: Skraptak or are dark brown, with paler Namalau cheeks and brown legs. Vernacular (local name): A little bit about them: The Vanuatu megapode is a ground bird that lives on moist lowland forests. They can fly but spend most of their time on the forest floor scratching around for food. They can be found on most islands of Vanuatu, but appear to be extinct on Tanna. Their diet is a mixture of fruits, seeds, worms and insects, Source: Dubi Shapiro Photography usually found by racking and mixing the dead matter on the forest floor. Did you know? They do not sit on their eggs • Megapode means “Large Feet”. but bury them in large nest mounds they build from soil, • Some Vanuatu Megapodes bury leaves and organic matter in their eggs near volcanoes with lowland forests. The heat vents and active craters to fermenting vegetable matter heat their eggs for them! heats their eggs. Vanuatu Megapodes are What do they do for us: classified as Vulnerable Ø When scratching the (VU) on the IUCN Red List. ground for food, they mix Why are they threatened? the soil with dead leaves, Ø Overexploitation of the birds logs, fruit etc helping to through hunting and cycle nutrients.
    [Show full text]
  • Print Version of the State of the Birds 2010
    The State of the Birds 2010 Report on Climate Change United States of America In this 2010 State of the Birds report, we consider one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time, climate change. How will the impacts of climate change influence our bird populations and their habitats? Accelerated climate change as a result of human activities is altering the natural world as we know it, diminishing the quality of our environment. This report calls attention to the collective efforts needed to protect nature’s resources for the benefit of people and wildlife. Contents Foreword . .3 Forests. .20 Summary . .4 Bird's-Eye.View . .22 Oceans. .6 Stressors . .25 Coasts. .8 Waterfowl. .26 Arctic .. .. .. .10 Gamebirds.. .27 Islands. .12 Our.Approach. .28 Aridlands. .14 North.Shifts. .29 Wetlands. .16 Addressing. Grasslands. .18 Uncertainty . ..30 Laysan Albatross Chick by Brad Bortner Acknowledgments. ..30 2 This report contains information about birds and their habitats, gives examples of what could happen due to climate change, and Foreword outlines suggested solutions and efforts needed to help address Birds are telling us an important these issues. By following the conservation actions in this State of story about climate change the Birds Climate Change report, together we can help ensure that future generations will enjoy the birds we are working to protect The first State of the Birds report in 2009 revealed troubling today. declines of bird populations in the United States during the last North American Bird Conservation Initiative, U.S. Committee 40 years—a warning signal of the failing health of our ecosystems.
    [Show full text]